City considering installation of dog park

COMMERCE - A group of community members are proposing a dog park for the City of Commerce, which aims to offer an area where dogs can run freely and exercise.

Commerce Mayoral Candidate Coby Marcum has been in communication with City Manager Marc Clayton on the project, and formally presented his plan to the City Council last week.

The site would be located across the street from City Park and south of the baseball field. According to Marcum, preliminary plans call for a 65 square foot park with the option of expansion should it prove successful. A 6 foot tall fence will border the area.

“As there is a city ordinance which requires dogs to be on a leash when in public, this limits dog owners who live in apartment complexes and individuals who do not have yards from allowing their dogs to run and play freely,” Marcum said.

The dog park can also be a place where people who love dogs can socialize. Individuals who cannot own dogs for housing reasons can also enjoy the dog park.

Marcum added, “In an era of video games and the internet, it is important that we get outdoors, get some exercise and socialize face to face with our friends and neighbors. A dog park is a great place to do this.”

Marcum says he wants the project to be something that the community can see and use that is a direct result of efforts placed forth by students to give back to the community. He anticipates the project would run about $375 for materials, with the labor provided by himself and students.

Citizens can learn more about the proposed project through the group’s facebook page, called "The Commerce Dog Park Project".